The mikroProg for PIC has specially designed firmware that allows it to be used for programming all PIC microcontrollers from Microchip: PIC10, PIC12, PIC16, PIC18, dsPIC30/33, PIC24, and PIC32 — more than 780 devices. The programmer communicates with a PC through a USB cable, from which it also draws power.

Most new device support is achieved simply by downloading the latest version of the mikroProg Suite software. Occasionally, a firmware update for increased speed and new device classes will be included in the software too. When that is the case, after installing the new version of the software, simply select Firmware Update from the USB menu.

The mikroProg for PIC also can be used as an in-circuit debugger in conjunction with Mikroelektronika compilers.

The programmer is connected to the microcontroller via five lines — MCU-VCC, MCU-PGC, MCU-PGD, MCU-MCLR/Vpp, GND. These lines are contained within a flat ribbon cable with a female IDC10 connector. You can design an appropriate 1×5 or 2×5 header into your system as explained in the user manual which you can download below. (Adapters to other programming header types are available; their usage is explained at the bottom of this page.)

Many boards by MikroElektronika have a compatible 1×5 or 2×5 header, or pads to install one.

The additional five pins are used by the multiplexing feature. A multiplexer within the programmer can connect the MCU pins to peripheral components on the target PCB if the target has the right 10-pin header setup. In this way, the mikroProg could remain plugged in without affecting operation of the device.

You can design only the upper five pins on your target if you do not plan to use the multiplexing feature.

IDC10 header pinout, top view on target board

(See the user manual for varying pin names of different PIC microcontrollers.)

The programmer receives power via USB. It also can be set to power your target board anywhere from 1.8V to 5V at up to 250mA. If your target is already powered, you don't need to worry about when to plug the programmer into USB; it will switch itself automatically as needed.

One nice feature of this programmer is how the ribbon cable goes into the device. It weaves through a slot on the PCB, so tugging on the cable cannot damage the internal connector.

PIC In-Circuit Programmer Supported Devices

The mikroProg for PIC supports over 890 PIC, dsPIC, PIC24 and PIC32 microcontrollers. Newly released MCUs will be supported by new versions of the free mikroProg Suite for PIC that is updated regularly.

Package Contents

The mikroProg for PIC ships with a USB cable, a DVD-ROM with software and drivers, and printed documentation which also can be downloaded below. The software also includes fully functional demo versions of mikroC PRO for PIC, mikroC PRO for dsPIC/PIC24, mikroC PRO for PIC32, as well as similar demo versions of mikroBasic and mikroPascal compilers. All demo versions include a hex output size limitation. These compilers come with examples for easy prototype development.

Adapting to other programming connectors

Using the first adapter listed in the options below, you can make the mikroProg-PIC compatible with boards that have the RJ12 connector designed for the Microchip ICD2 and ICD3. The second adapter listed below can add further compatibility from the first adapter's RJ12 connector to a 6-pin single-row header (e.g. as used by Olimex boards) or a 2×4 header (e.g. as used by Modtronix boards). The second adapter will not work with mikroProg-PIC on its own; it must be used in combination with the first adapter (with the first adapter's RJ12 cable only, as the second adapter's cable is cross-wired).